Modular load carrying equipment

Abstract

An improved universal adjustable modular load backpack for carrying heavy loads to be used in conjunction with a multi-functional, soldier-centered, computer enhanced warfare system includes storage modules releasably mounted on a flexible pack frame extending the wearer's level of comfort and range of motion. The storage modules provide for a versatile pack load configuration and may be quickly withdrawn from the pack frame by the wearer without removing the pack frame. The pack frame is also provided with an integrated adjustment mechanism for selectively increasing or decreasing the length of the shoulder support straps and rib-cage straps of the backpack, and the distance between the waist belt and the pack frame so as to adapt to the wearer's torso and waist without having to remove the backpack from the wearer's back.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A human portable carrier comprising: a frame wherein said frame is formed of a reinforced thermoplastic material adapted to the contour of the human's;   at least one item adapted to be carried by said frame;   an attachment device having one part carried on an item and a mating part carried on said frame, said parts releasably engaging with each other; and   a mechanism carried on said frame and remote from said attachment device which effects disengagement of said parts.   
     
     
       2. A load carrying equipment, comprising: a pack frame having an upper end and lower end;   shoulder support members arranged for fastening said pack frame about the upper body portion of a user and defining a position of attachment of said shoulder support;   rib-cage support members arranged for fastening said pack frame about the torso portion of the user and defining a position of attachment of said rib-cage support;   a waist belt arranged for fastening said pack frame about the waist of a user and defining a position of attachment of said waist belt; and   an adjustment mechanism supported to said lower end of said pack frame for adjusting the position of attachment of said shoulder support, rib-cage support and waist belt so as to selectively increase and decrease the length of said shoulder support, the length of said rib-cage support and the distance between said waist belt and said lower end of said pack frame while said pack frame is being worn by the user.   
     
     
       3. A load carrying equipment according to claim 1, wherein said adjustment mechanism includes a knob, a screw member drivingly connected to said knob, a first device including a threaded element coacting with said screw member and operatively connected to said position of attachment of said shoulder support members and said rib-cage support members, rotation of said knob driven screw member causing the threaded members to move the position of attachments of said shoulder support members and rib-cage support members transversely of the pack frame whereby the user can simultaneously increase and decrease the length of said shoulder support and the length of said rib-cage support. 
     
     
       4. A load carrying equipment according to claims 3, wherein said first device includes a bracket assembly pivotally connected to and movable with said threaded element for detachably connecting said waist belt to said adjustment mechanism. 
     
     
       5. A load carrying equipment according to claim 4, wherein said bracket assembly includes a locking mechanism for releasably retaining said waist belt to said bracket assembly. 
     
     
       6. A load carrying equipment according to claim 2, wherein said waist belt includes a receiver plate attached thereto having multiple mounting points adapted to mate with said locking mechanism. 
     
     
       7. A load carrying equipment according to claim 2, wherein said bracket assembly is aligned on the user's lower back with the user's spine. 
     
     
       8. A load carrying equipment according to claim 2, further comprising a support frame extending from said lower end of said pack frame with a surface upon which is mounted a first electrical connector which is to be mated by a complementary second connector of a power cell casing for maintaining conductive contact between said power cell and said first connector, said power cell casing being adapted for sliding movement within said support frame. 
     
     
       9. A load carrying equipment according to claim 8, further comprising a conductive closure cooperating with said support frame for completing a conductive envelopment of said second connector whenever said power cell casing is not fully installed within said support frame. 
     
     
       10. A load carrying equipment, comprising: a pack load module;   a pack frame including a lower frame module and an upper frame module wherein said modules are flexibly attached;   a quick release retention mechanism attached to said upper frame module and lower frame module for connecting said pack load module to said pack framer;   shoulder support members arranged for fastening said pack frame about the upper body portion of a user and defining a position of attachment of each of said shoulder supports;   a rib-cage support member arranged for fastening said pack frame about the torso portion of the user and defining a position of attachment of said rib-cage support;   a waist belt arranged for fastening said pack frame about the waist of a user and defining a position of attachment of said waist belt; and   an adjustment mechanism supported to said lower frame module of said pack frame for adjusting the position of attachment of said shoulder supports, rib-cage support and waist belt so as to simultaneously increase and decrease the length of said shoulder supports, the length of said rib-cage support and the distance between said waist belt and said lower frame module while said pack frame is being worn by the user.   
     
     
       11. A load carrying equipment according to claim 10, wherein said upper frame module comprises two substantially parallel upper vertical support members connected at one end by an upper horizontal member, wherein said upper horizontal member provides an upper quick release mechanism for mounting the upper portion of said pack load module; and wherein said lower frame module comprises two substantially parallel lower vertical support members connected at one end by a lower horizontal member, wherein said lower horizontal member provides a lower quick release mechanism for mounting the lower portion of said pack load module. 
     
     
       12. A load carrying equipment according to claim 10, further comprising a rotatable gear secured to said upper frame module between said shoulder supports adapted to simultaneously adjust the position of each of said shoulder supports to a predetermined spaced apart distance. 
     
     
       13. A load carrying equipment, comprising: a pack frame including a lower frame module and an upper frame module wherein said modules are flexibly attached;   a pack load module including a front plane and back plane; and   a quick release retention mechanism attached to said upper frame module and lower frame module for connecting said pack load module to said pack frame;   said back plane having a plurality of studs protruding therefrom which are slidably positioned within said quick release retention mechanisms;   said quick release mechanism including a coupling member suitable for retaining one of said studs on said back plane, said coupling member comprising a first annular member having a first end, a second end, a diameter portion which is adapted for receiving one of said studs and a restricted opening portion, and a plunger member having a large diameter portion which is slidably positioned within said first annular member, a reduced diameter portion which extends from said larger diameter portion toward said first end, and a transversely extending shoulder portion at a juncture between said larger diameter and said reduced diameter of said plunger.   
     
     
       14. A load carrying equipment according to claim 13, further comprising: a spring member resiliently trapped between said restricted portion and said shoulder portion for resiliently urging said plunger toward said second end of said annular member,   a retaining member circumscribing and axially displaceable with respect to said annular member;   said retaining member engaging a free end of said one of said studs providing an axial restraint on said one of said studs greater than the axial biasing force of said spring against said one of said studs, said axial restraint being overcome upon said retaining member being displaced toward said second end of said annular member; and   a displacement mechanism disposed within said annular member for simultaneously displacing said retaining member of said quick release retention mechanism thereby detaching said pack module from said pack frame.   
     
     
       15. A load carrying equipment according to claim 13, further comprising: a spring member resiliently trapped between said restricted portion and said shoulder portion for resiliently urging said plunger toward said second end of said annular member; and   a retaining member circumscribing and axially displaceable with respect to said annular member;   said plunger comprising an O-ring sealing member between the outside of said larger diameter portion of said plunger and the inside of said annular member to permit limited axial misalignment between said annular member and said plunger without permitting debris and/or fluid passage therebetween;   said retaining member engaging a free end of said one of said studs providing an axial restraint on said one of said studs greater than the axial biasing force of said spring against said one of said studs, said axial restraint being overcome upon said retaining member being displaced toward said second end of said annular member.   
     
     
       16. In a fully integrated, multi functional, soldier-centered, computer enhanced warfare system, a load carrying equipment, comprising: multiple pack load modules;   a pack frame including a lower frame module and an upper frame module wherein said modules are flexibly attached;   a quick release retention mechanism attached to said upper frame module and lower frame module for engaging and disengaging said pack load module to said pack frame;   shoulder support members arranged for fastening said pack frame about the upper body portion of a user and defining a position of attachment of said shoulder support;   rib-cage support member arranged for fastening said pack frame about the torso portion of the user and defining a position of attachment of said rib-cage support;   a waist belt arranged for fastening said pack frame about the waist of a user and defining a position of attachment of said waist belt; and   an adjustment mechanism supported to said lower frame module of said pack frame for adjusting the position of attachment of said shoulder support, rib-cage support and waist belt so as to simultaneously increase and decrease the length of said shoulder support, the length of said rib-cage support and the distance between said waist belt and said lower frame module while said pack frame is being worn by the user.   
     
     
       17. A load carrying equipment according to claim 16, wherein said multiple load packs include: a central approach pack module having a back plane for attaching said approach pack to said quick release retention mechanism; a first side pack module and a second side pack module attached to the sides of said approach pack module; and a sustainment pack module attachable to said approach pack or to said lower frame module. 
     
     
       18. A load carrying equipment according to claim 17, further comprising a seal joint for securing said pack modules to said approach pack, said seal joint including a generally C-shaped elongated rail member molded along the periphery of said back plane of said approach pack and further including a support element extending from said side pack modules and said sustainment pack module cooperating with said rail members whereby said support elements are positioned to be grasped within said rail member. 
     
     
       19. A load carrying equipment according to claim 16, wherein said warfare system further comprises electrical components integrated within said frame pack. 
     
     
       20. A load carrying equipment according to claim 16, further comprising a housing supported to said lower frame module for containing said quick release retention mechanism. 
     
     
       21. A human portable carrier comprising: a frame formed of frame members;   a pair of shoulder straps for mounting said frame to the shoulders of a human carrier bearer;   a device for positioning said frame at a lower point of the torso of the bearer, said device being movably attached to said frame for movement relative to said frame; and   an adjustment mechanism for moving said device relative to said frame to alter a length of the carrier, the adjustment mechanism comprising a screw, a mount for said screw, said mount being carried by one of said frame and device for positioning, said screw being rotatably mounted in said mount, and a member connected to said screw for rotating said screw.   
     
     
       22. A human portable carrier according to claim 22, wherein said adjustment mechanism comprises a driver mounted for movement along said screw and driven by rotation of said screw, a link connected to said driver at one end of said link, said link being pivotally attached at another end to an anchoring portion on the other of said frame and device for positioning, said screw when rotated by said member causing said driver to move along said screw and moving said frame and said device for positioning relative to one another via said link. 
     
     
       23. A human portable carrier comprising: a frame formed of frame members;   a pair of shoulder straps for mounting said frame to the shoulders of a human carrier bearer;   a belt for mounting said frame about a lower point of the torso of the bearer;   a belt attachment mechanism for movably attaching said belt to said frame for movement relative to said frame, said attachment mechanism including a yoke having two links, each of said links having a first end pivotally attached to an anchor carried on one of said belt and said frame, a second end of each of said links being attached to one of two respective drivers, and a drive engaging said drivers for moving said drivers relative to one another to cause said second ends of said links to move relative to one another and thereby move said belt and frame relative to one another.   
     
     
       24. A human portable carrier comprising: a frame formed of frame members;   a pair of shoulder straps for mounting said frame to the shoulders of a human carrier bearer;   a belt for mounting said frame about a lower point of the torso of the bearer;   a belt attachment mechanism for movably attaching said belt to said frame for movement relative to said frame, said attachment mechanism including a link, said link having a first end pivotally attached to an anchor carried on one of said belt and said frame, a second end of said link being attached to a driver, and a drive engaging said driver for moving said driver to cause said first end of said link to move and thereby move said belt and frame relative to one another.   
     
     
       25. A human portable carrier comprising: a frame formed of frame members;   a pair of shoulder straps for mounting said frame to the shoulders of a human carrier bearer, each said straps being mounted to said frame at one end by a strap mount which is movably mounted to said frame for relative movement to said frame;   a belt for mounting said frame about a lower point to the torso of the bearer;   a belt attachment mechanism for movably attaching said belt to said frame for movement relative to said frame, said attachment mechanism including a rigid member extending between said frame and said belt, said rigid member being movably mounted at one end thereof to one of said frame and belt, said rigid member being mounted at another end to the other of said frame and belt, a driver engaging said rigid member for moving said rigid member, movement of said rigid member causing said belt and frame to move relative to one another to change a length of the carrier;   a cable connecting said driver and said movable mount of said straps, said driver engaging said cable and causing said cable to move said movable mount of said straps simultaneously with movement of said rigid member for moving said straps relative to said frame.   
     
     
       26. A human portable carrier comprising: a frame;   a plurality of items each adapted to be carried by said frame;   a plurality of attachment devices for attaching each item to said frame, each said attachment device having one part carried on an item and a mating part carried on said frame, said parts releasably engaging with each other, said mating part on said frame comprising a first annular member having a first end, a second end; a diameter portion which is adapted for receiving one of said parts, a restricted opening portion, and a plunger member having a large diameter portion which is slidably positioned within said first annular member, a reduced diameter portion which extends from said larger diameter portion toward said first end, and a transversely extending shoulder portion at a juncture between said larger diameter and said reduced diameter of said plunger; and   a mechanism remote from said attachment devices which effects disengagement of said parts of each said attachment device of items carried on said frame substantially simultaneously.